The Bill will provide those with the greatest care needs to be offered free personal care at home.

Existing powers allow local authorities to provide certain community care services free of charge for up to six weeks. The Bill will remove this time limit in respect of personal care at home for those in the greatest need.

The Government estimates that the Bill would help around 400,000 people with care needs and guarantee free personal care for the 280,000 people with the greatest need.

The legislation is intended to be the first step towards establishing a new National Care Service